We're thinking about a trip to Scandinavia in early September. We'd like to do the Norway in a Nutshell tour as part of a one-way trip either from Oslo to Bergen or Bergen to Oslo. Not sure if we'd have a car or use public transportation to start the fjord tour. But in either case, does any of you have any recommendations on handling luggage? We'd either take a train from Oslo to Myrdal, the Flamsbana train to Flam, then the boat,etc., or we'd take the train from Bergen to Voss, the bus to Gudvangen, then the boat, etc. In order to avoid re-tracing our steps if we start out on the Oslo-Bergen Scenic Train, could we take our luggage with us on the various connecting modes of transportation to and around the fjords, or would that be too cumbersome? I'm finding this section of the Scandinavia guidebook a bit confusing, and would definitely appreciate advice from someone who's been there/done that. Thanks!!
Posted by
Vancouver, BC, Canada
2 posts
I did the trip you're describing last June, using the public transport route provided by Norway in a Nutshell from Oslo to Bergen. A car would be a hindrance on this journey. We had backpacks so traveling with luggage wasn't a problem, but I certainly wouldn't want to make this journey with suitcases. We saw people struggling with their luggage and it didn't look like fun. There isn't much room, especially on the Flamsbana or the fjord boat, to store luggage. Be advised, it's a very long day of travel and you will want to take food with you as there aren't many options along the way unless you are ok with overpriced, bad cafeteria food. Awesome scenery though, and a must do if you're in Norway! My husband and I really enjoyed it.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Gretchen--thank you so much. Your reply answered all my questions. Now we'll be able to do a much better job of planning our trip. Happy 2014 to you, and hope this year brings you more great traveling.
...Joanne
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
698 posts
We did this trip many years ago . We stayed 2 nights in Flam at a lovely inn there and then one night in another stop (which started with a B ). Anyway - would really recommend including a 2 night stop in Flam - it broke up a long trip and allowed us to really enjoy the lovely scenery with some walks and boat trips.
By the way we were shocked when we had to transfer from one boat to another mid fjord! But all went well.
We had a suitcase and managed but would try keep the number to a minimum.
Beautiful country and on my hope to returm one day list
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Hi, Diane, and thanks so much for your response. Staying for a night or two in Flam sounds like a good idea--that would give us more of an opportunity to enjoy the fjords "up close and personal" instead of just sailing through them. I hope the weather will still be good in early-to-mid September--I don't think we'd be able to go prior to that time. Still trying to figure this all out, but your advice is most helpful.
...Joanne